Tragedy strikes Samoan family’s Christmas plans, toddler killed

30 November 2017, 12:00AM

A Samoan family in Sydney is in a state of mourning after their Christmas plans which included a trip to Samoa has been struck by tragedy.

According to Seven News reports from Sydney, the family came from the Riverina town of Griffith and were meant to be flying to Samoa for Christmas on Wednesday when they were involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday.

The crash killed a toddler who has since been identified as Anelina Nauer.

Anelina was in a van with her mother Kristen, who suffered broken legs and spinal injuries, when their van was involved in a head on crash on Mamre Road, Kemps Creek, in Sydney's west.

The toddler underwent emergency surgery but couldn’t be saved.

A relative, Marilyn Nauer, described the toddler as “adorable” and “funny”, and meant “everything to her dad”.

Anelina’s brothers remain at Westmead Children’s Hospital.

Their injuries are serious, but their condition is stable. Their father remains at their side.

Anelina’s grandfather Antonio remains in a coma. The toddler’s dad wasn’t in the van at the time. 

"They were out doing shopping for stuff to take to the island and then that happened,” Ms Nauer said.

Police revealed the driver of the mini bus was a 20-year-ld woman with a disqualified learner's licence.

She’s escaped serious injuries and police say they will speak with her.

Read more: Toddler tragically killed in fatal crash identified

30 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>